Carbon County News Briefs

Castle County business expansion, retention program preparing to move forward in 2008

During the January executive meeting, administrators from the business expansion and retention project (BEAR) discussed plans for the program in the Castle Valley region during coming year.

The project has staffed three full-time VISTA workers who will serve as continuing interviewers and mentors to certain businesses in some capacity.

The project is focusing on the information that was disseminated and recorded during the workforce demographics challenge meeting at the events center.

The team will also focus on the continuation of the marketing and capital acquisition classes that have been developed within the group.

Potential fire hazard discovered in electronic devices manufactured in China for sale in U.S.

The National Association of State Fire Marshals, retailers and certain electronics manufacturers are in consultation regarding two models of Chinese-made products. Preliminary testing suggests that the electronic products pose a potentially serious fire hazard due to the highly flammable nature of outer enclosures.

Pending further testing, Carbon County consumers are advised to be careful of open flames around all computer and consumer electronic equipment such as game devices, boom boxes, computer keyboards, speakers, ink-jet printers and all electronic and computer equipment sold for use in the home. Residents should start by keeping all candles at least two feet from the plastic outer enclosure of electronic devices.

On Feb. 8 and Feb. 9, the College of Eastern Utah's cosmetology department will sponsor the Holiday Spring Fest 2008 Extravaganza.

The specially planned event is a community-wide celebration featuring businesses that cater to weddings and special events.

The 2008 show has been expanded to include vendors with prom, Valentine's Day and graduation materials. Featured businesses will showcase everything from gowns, accessories and jewelry to decorators, catering and food services.

A fashion show featuring prom and wedding gowns along with tuxedos will be presented at 6 p.m. on Feb. 8 and at 1 p.m. on Feb. 9.